Print edition for November 24, 2005

Editorial: Reasons for giving thanks: Thousands of Americans' tables will have chairs left vacant by loved ones who are serving with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A different kind of Big House, Casa Grande, to open for ex-cons: CARSON CITY -- A new chapter in the state's efforts to get prison inmates ready to return to society and keep them out of trouble opens next month in Las Vegas.

Letter: Religion sprinkled throughout history: I wish to point out the following:

Letter: A different take on Bush's runaway spending: However, the two examples Ms. Ducharme cites -- tax cuts and defending America -- are examples of very responsible actions by the president of the United States. Defending America against external enemies whose avowed purpose in life is to kill Americans is a responsibility that is explicitly spelled out in the Constitution. The tax cuts for all taxpayers (not just the "rich") that President Bush encouraged Congress to pass have enhanced the wealth and well-being of America. In fact, 4 percent economic growth year over year is almost too good. Let us hope the tax cuts can be made permanent ...

Chancellor gears up for fight against Beers' tax initiative: Hoping to protect Nevada from what he regards as "shortsighted," potentially catastrophic budget cuts, university Chancellor Jim Rogers plans to use his political action committee to attempt to block gubernatorial candidate Bob Beers' tax cut measure.

Editorial: A beacon of broadcast journalism: But "Nightline" broke through the clutter and left its mark, offering viewers a solid, thought-provoking half-hour program -- typically on a single issue -- that went far beyond what the networks were offering on their nightly newscasts at the dinner hour. Through the use of satellite technology, Koppel could bring the major players together for live interviews -- something that, while commonplace today, was quite extraordinary a quarter of a century ago.

Toothprints: Mixed impressions: David Kihara; One of the newest devices for identifying lost or missing kids in Southern Nevada also is stirring debate nationwide, with critics questioning its value and whether it provides, at best, false comfort for parents.

Letter: U.S. troops should leave Iraq now: Leaving Iraq now is the only honorable and sensible thing to do. Trying to salvage a bit of respect and confidence by showing the courage of our convictions is the only way to hold up our heads once again. Impeachment would be the proper place to start the process.

Columnist Jeff German: On the former county commissioner's role in latest corruption probe: This week's corruption indictment of Don Davidson and his imprisoned son is supposed to be the first in a wave of criminal cases built with the help of former County Commissioner Erin Kenny.

Justices of the peace may start hearing defendant pleas: Las Vegas justices of the peace may soon start hearing pleas from defendants, a move that could save valuable time for District Court judges and defendants alike.

Not all of diocese's funds go to poverty fight: By Timothy Pratt; Nearly 200 Roman Catholic dioceses nationwide receive no outside oversight over how they spend money that churchgoers donate in their parishes in order to fight poverty, church officials say.

Who's being served?: By Timothy Pratt; Ryan Hall asked a roomful of local pastors and parishioners at a recent meeting whether they knew about a 35-year-old program to help the poor with money raised every Thanksgiving in local parishes across the nation.

Letter: Rogers would be an excellent governor: Not long ago, there was speculation as to whether Rogers would entertain a candidacy for governor. Although that possibility was eventually dismissed by him, hopefully his attitude will change. The exposure of his thought process, manner of speaking and personality, as revealed in the recent address, should prompt a groundswell of enthusiasm for his candidacy.

Mental health clinic is sued: By Matt Pordum; A 28-year-old schizophrenic charged in a 2003 shooting rampage in which one man was killed and two Metro Police officers were wounded has sued a mental health clinic, claiming its employees were negligent for not refilling his medication two days before the deadly incident.

NLV jail's housing of federal inmates a losing deal: North Las Vegas, losing nearly $1 million a year by housing federal prisoners, should terminate the contract if the government will not renegotiate, a management audit recommends.